Pituitary

The pituitary (or hypophysis) is a small gland, no larger than a pea, located at the base of the brain in the small depression of the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica. It is controlled by the hypothalamus to which it is attached and is sometimes referred to as the master gland because its function is to coordinate the nervous system and the endocrine system.

Some of its hormones stimulate other endocrine glands to produce their own hormones. This small gland is actually two glands: the anterior pituitary gland (or adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary gland (or neurohypophysis). This gland produces several hormones. One of the pituitary hormones regulates the retention of water by the kidneys. Another causes the uterus to contract during childbirth, and then stimulates the production of milk in the mammary glands.

One of the most important pituitary hormone is a growth hormone (GH). This hormone controls growth by regulating the amount of nutrients taken into cells. The growth hormone also works with insulin to control the level of blood sugar.

Related Article: Pituitary hormones